Observations about Observing

What do you need to Observe? 

I used to annoy my friends by asking on a hike "are we hiking now or still just walking?"  

What's the difference between looking at the sky and OBSERVING?  

Probably the same as the difference between walking and hiking...  

Do you need specialized equipment?  Do you need equipment at all?  Probably not.

Maybe it's Intent?  Prep?  Anticipation?

Nothing!

You do not need optical aids of any type to have an inspiring observing experience.  Take meteor showers, for example.  Binoculars and telescopes actually diminish the experience (they screen out most of the sky).

Well, you need to be Comfortable...

It helps to be comfortable, though.  Dress appropriately against cold and insects (cold is a big deal when sitting still in the dark).  A comfortable chair might be your favorite accessory.

Planning Helps.  A Lot!

Planning an observing session will enhance your experience under the sky.

Planning doesn't need to be elaborate.  It might be something as simple as having a primary and secondary targets for the evening based on your location and "what's up". 

The type of equipment you have will affect what you'll be able to target and what you should plan for.

It helps to know a little bit about what in the sky: The Visible Sky

Then it's helpful to know the approximate place to look to find a target: Why Learn Constellations?

With that little bit of knowledge, then you can do some serious observing, even without equipment.

You've got a new scope at home.  What should you do? Start here: New Scope at Home 

Whether you have equipment or not, a dark sky is a beautiful, wondrous thing:  Observing from Dark Skies

click here for a List: All Observing Articles